41. The fakya's request the Bodhisattva to marry

 

Then spoke king Cuddhodana and said: "If that is so, then look around which maiden would be suitable for the prince". Thereupon, the five humdred Cakya's said each to himself: i'Mydaughteris suitable for the prince, my daughter is worthy of him". And the king answered: "The prince is not easy to please. Therefore we must inform him and ask: which is the maiden that finds favor in your eyes ?"

 

Then they assembled all together and explained the matter to the prince. And the prince answered them and said: "In seven days shall ye know my answer". (137: 5).

 

The Bodhisattva sits, leaning against the cushions and with his right leg in the support, in a pavilion-shaped niche with a pendapa adjoining it on both sides. Above the roof of the pendapa, trees can be seen. On the right, behind the Bodhisattva, sit his servants; left, where there is more room, the Cakya's are placed. The nearest who has a beard and is clearly a brahman, is their spokesman.

 

The king then orders all kinds of ornements to be made for the prince to distribute among the maidens on the seventh day.